Solar 1 is an advanced prototype building that has also been an active office, education, arts, and event space since 2004.
What does it do?
Solar 1 produces most of the energy it needs on a day-to-day basis to support the work of its employees and many types of educational and arts programming with its rooftop photovoltaic (solar electric) system. By producing a share of its own electricity, and therefore reducing its dependency on centralized power plants, Solar 1 represents an emerging energy model often referred to as “distributed generation”, or DG. The E.P.A defines DG as “small, modular, decentralized, grid-connected or off-grid energy systems located in or near the place where energy is used.” Photovoltaics, wind power, micro-hydro, fuel cells, combined heat and power (CHP), anaerobic digesters are examples of emerging DG technologies.
Distributed Generation can be metaphorically compared to the Internet because it involves a far-flung, interactive network of producers rather than a central ‘analogue’ plant. Distributed energy models have attracted much praise because they promise greater energy security and consumer advantage, in addition to considerable environmental benefits. Therefore, it could be said that distributed energy is empowering in more ways than one. For an excellent article about DG potential in cities, read Rethinking the Grid: Distributed Generation and Urban Development, a short article written by NYC’s-own DG and solar expert Jeff Perlman.
3.5kW Photovoltaics
Facing south and angled for maximum exposure, Solar 1’s photovoltaic (solar) panels provide most of the power that the building needs. When excess power is generated, a bank of batteries stores the electricity for use at other times. Photovoltaics do not produce greenhouse gases, or use up finite fossil fuels that pollute the air. Photovoltaics can be used all over the country because nearly every region has enough sunlight for them to work.
Solar 1 generates approximately 3.52kW under ideal conditions. That’s enough electricity to power a small to medium sized apartment, including air conditioning! Solar 1’s roof is also sloped to generate a maximum amount of electricity. The rule of thumb with most photovoltaic installations is that the panels are sloped + or – 10 degrees according to the location’s latitude. New York’s latitude is approximately 40 degrees and so is Solar 1’s roof.
Solar 1’s photovoltaic system currently powers the building’s lights, computers, printers and other appliances. During the summer, the system also provided much of the power for the Solar-Powered Film, Dance and Citysol, along with others
Recovered Stage
In 2005, Solar One put up a stage to be used as part of its arts programming, especially the Solar-Powered Arts Festival. First used by Tommy Hilfiger during Fashion Week, the stage was sent to the Build it Green! ReStore in Astoria. It then found its way to Solar One, where it enjoys a renewed purpose supporting (literally!) our programming. Re-use extends the life-cycle of products and reduces the waste stream.
Doors
Solar 1 has large glass doors to the south, allowing winter sun to passively warm the building. The extensive wall to wall exposure also maximizes direct sunlight gain, a design strategy that is often referred to as daylighting. This allows for greater efficiency by reducing the need for both active heating during the colder months, and electric lighting during the day.
Overhang
The building has an overhang that provides passive heating and cooling – it stops summer sun from penetrating and overheating the building during warmer months while allowing more direct sunlight into the interior during the winter when the sun is lower in the sky.
Insulation
The insulation in Solar 1 is made from a specially constructed material called Structurally Insulated Panels, also known as SIPs. SIPs are high-performance building panels used in floors, walls and roofs in residential and low-rise commercial buildings. Each panel is made from foam insulation sandwiched between two pieces of structural wood. The insulation allows Solar 1 to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter while minimizing the use of electricity for heating and cooling.
Lights
Solar 1 uses only fluorescent lighting because it is five times more efficient than standard light bulbs. A majority of the fluorescent bulbs are compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), which look slightly like corkscrews. According to Energy Star, if every household in the U.S. replaced one light bulb with a CFL, it would prevent enough pollution to equal removing one million cars from the road. If every household in New York City replaced five incandescent bulbs with CFLs, the city could close one power plant.
Toilets
The urinal in Solar 1 does not require any water for flushing, our toilet alone saves an average of 10,000 gallons of water a year and it may be more hygienic than normal urinals as fresh supplies of biodegradable oils and alcohols inside of the toilet prevent odors and bacteria buildup.
Solar 1 also has a flushing toilet that exceeds standards for low water using toilets. On average each person uses 28 gallons of water per day flushing the toilet. The same use in Solar 1 would be around half or 14 gallons per day.
Low VOC Paints
Many types of petroleum based paints give off VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that smell and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Some people are even allergic to VOCs and can get sick from breathing them. The paints in Solar 1 are zero VOC paints, which helps play a part in creating a healthier indoor environment.
Linoleum Flooring
The floor in Solar 1 is made from linoleum, one of the most environmentally friendly floor finishes on the market. Linoleum is durable and good for the environment because it is made primarily from natural renewable resources like Rosin, Wood flour, Cork flour, Linseed oil, Limestone, Pigments and Jute which are all raw materials harvested or extracted with relatively little energy consumption. Linoleum is biodegradable contrasting vinyl, which cannot be broken down by natural processes.
